Before the flood: how much longer will the Thames Barrier protect London?

The colossal flood defence has been in use since 1982 – but as sea levels rise, it will need upgrading much sooner than expected

The last time the Thames broke its banks and flooded central London was on 7 January 1928, when a storm sent record water levels up the tidal river, from Greenwich and Woolwich in the east as far as Hammersmith in the west. Built on flood plains, the capital was defended only by embankments. The flood waters burst over them into Whitehall and Westminster, and rushed through crowded slums. Fourteen died and thousands were left homeless.

After another catastrophic North Sea storm surge in 1953 caused floods along the east coast of England that were even more deadly – killing 307 people, including 59 at Canvey Island on the Thames estuary – discussion began about how to protect London.